Fifth Grade Science-Core Curriculum Class for Second Semester

Fifth grade science topics taught in this second semester class include:
1. Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics
2. Earth’s Place in the Universe
3. Earth’s Systems
4. Earth and Human Activity
5. Engineering Design 

The Next Generation Science Standards (nextgenscience.org) will be used to guide course instruction and ensure learners have the needed skills for 6th grade. *It is not necessary for learners to attend first semester of this course in order to be successful in second semester.*

In keeping with the Next Generation Science standards, science and engineering practices along with crosscutting concepts will be incorporated as learners participate in class. For example, when learners study Earth's Systems they will create a model to demonstrate how the systems of the earth work together (engineering). They will draw on information from a variety of resources to quickly answer questions about earth's systems (crosscutting concept). There will be use of reading, writing and math as learners study the standards. 

Specific weekly objectives for this course: (Note: weekly schedule may change or be adapted to meet the needs of the pace of the class and the diversity of learners. STEM challenges may be added when the class is ahead of schedule. )

Week 1: Discuss the interdependent relationships in ecosystems.
Week 2: Develop a model to show relationships and energy transfer in an ecosystem.
Week 3: Identify the universe and its stars.
Week 4:  Participate in activities to understand the Earth and the solar system.
Week 5:  Represent data in graphical displays to reveal patterns of daily changes in length and direction of shadows, day and night, and the seasonal appearance of some stars in the night sky. 
Week 6: Discuss earth materials and systems (geosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere).
Week 7: Participate in a project to sow understanding of earth materials and systems.
Week 8: Work time and presentations from week 7.
Week 9: Describe and graph the amounts and percentages of water and fresh water in various reservoirs to provide evidence about the distribution of water on Earth.  
Week 10: Discuss human impacts on earth systems.
Week 11: Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect the Earth’s resources and environment.
Week 12: Communicate information obtained in 11 with the class. Celebrate a great semester.

The class will be structured as teacher facilitated and interactive. Learners will be engaged in games, discussions, videos and hands-on projects. My teaching style is relaxed and inclusive. I encourage learner participation and questions. The classroom is 'ours' not 'mine'. Learners will have many opportunities to interact with me and their classmates each week.